Knowledge networks and emergency management seminars

14 Apr 2020

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Dr Bates presenting at ANHMC19

Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC research will be featured in two upcoming seminars from the ANU Disaster Risk Science Institute (DRSI) Susan L Cutter Seminar Series. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the DRSI will be providing its monthly seminar series in a virtual format through live and recorded Zoom meetings.

CRC Research Director Dr John Bates will discuss the topic ‘Knowledge networks: fast-track pathways to research impact in natural hazards research’ on Wednesday 22 April at 1pm. The CRC’s research in communications and warnings, fire weather and disaster resilience education for young people are just some of the examples of the effectiveness of the knowledge networks the Centre has developed.

Dr Bates’ seminar will look at what has changed in natural hazards research in the last decade and how the CRC’s research, through established networks, is returning dividends that are protecting life and reducing impacts on communities and the economy.

The following Wednesday’s seminar on 29 April features CRC researcher Emeritus Professor John Handmer from RMIT University on the topic ‘Emergency management in Australia: comparing bushfires and Covid-19’. Post-fire enquires and reviews into the 2019/20 Australian bushfires had hardly begun when the coronavirus hit and rapidly took over the nation’s concern. As with the fires, a pandemic had long been seen as likely and had been the subject of planning for many years.

Em Prof Handmer’s seminar will examine some key attributes of Australian emergency management and how they are playing out in these two major emergencies. Implications will be identified for the system and for the emergencies, as well as the possibility of such events occurring simultaneously.

Both events will be recorded and uploaded to the DRSI website.